2 ships, 1 boat gut in fire mishap

Two cargo ships and a fishing boat were gutted in an accidental fire on the banks of Phalguni river at Kasaba Bengre on Sunday. The ships and boat was kept for repair. The loss has been estimated at over Rs one crore. Two vessels M S V Mustafa owned by Ali Kunhi of Amini in Lakshadweep and M S V Abbas owned by Ahammed of Kavaratti in Lakshadweep have been gutted in the mishap. The loss has been estimated at over Rs 60 lakh. A fishing boat ‘Karavali’ which was anchored adjacent to the two vessels have also been gutted in the mishap. The boat belongs to one Beefathima and the loss has been put at Rs 10 lakh. Another vessel ‘Hashmi madad’ owned by a person from Gujarath has also been damaged in the mishap. Majority of the equipment inside the vessel has been damaged, incurring a loss of Rs 30 lakh. “A shed made of coconut fronds constructed for storing the goods caught fire first which later spread to fishing boat and two vessels which were anchored nearby. Though the locals tried to douse the fire, it could not be controlled,” an eyewitness said. The repair of the vessels were under progress. As Sunday was a holiday to the workers, there were no labourers is the sight. Hence, there was no casualty. Fire Service Regional Officer Basavanna said the veseels were anchored in such a way that there was not much gap between the two. Hence, the fire could spread fast. The vessels anchored for repair should maintain distance, he said.